I will repeat the Psalm which is the basis for my story: Psalm 124:8, "Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth." I truly need to trust those words. Yesterday, the entire page of my work disappeared just before I was to "publish" it! Devastation to one who is an amateur writer. But I shall try to carry on...sigh!
After the dinner at Mary's, word came to Joseph that her parents approved of him as a husband for Mary. After a formal announcement was made, the friends and relatives of Mary were simply flabbergasted. "Can you believe it? Hannah is OK with Joseph for Mary!" Joseph's parents and friends were happy for him as well as surprised at Hannah's turn-about. Mary's so-called suitors were disappointed, wondering where they had gone wrong. Mary's friends were a bit jealous! And Mary and Joseph were ecstatic! Each of them thanked God for his goodness.
In three weeks, they would have a formal betrothal, which both expected with great joy. "The moon will be full and that should bring good luck!" Joseph remembered, almost unable to stand the thought of his beautiful Mary, with her hair down around her shoulders. She would sit in the midst of other maids with her hair undone, tumbling down her back. All he wanted was to press his face into those shoulders with the rich feel of her lovely hair. Joseph knew how blessed he was. God's gift to him--Mary! God had kept faith with him. Mary could have chosen someone else at the choosing ceremony! But she choose him!
Then he remembered Mary's eyes, large with love for him. How courageous she was, standing up to her parents...for him! He had waited a year, thinking their relationship was a lost cause. Now, he would protect her and keep himself at a distance as to protect her from his own ardor! Next would come the Day of Betrothal and Joseph worked feverishly day after day in preparing his gifts for Mary which would be given on that day, a sewing box, a pair of doeskin slippers purchased for her in anticipation long ago, and the table he worked on daily. He would be ready.
Joseph worked steadily even the day of the Betrothal. His business had been busier since he had been chosen by Mary, and he was thankful for that, too. Soon, he put his tools away, bathed and dressed and anointed his hair with olive oil, and found his confidence returning. The men set off at last, Joseph lugging the heavy table.
The bridal house within Nazareth had been given a new whitening; its' inner room transformed with the bright colors of native flowers. And Mary! Joseph thought. Yet he was stiff with guarded emotion. When he gave her the gifts, wishing he had more to give, she was radiant with pleasure. In fact, he thought she might ask to have her slippers put on her feet right then and there! But they both stayed composed. And Joseph gave the prescribed vow aloud that he had made in his heart long ago.
He then draped the special veil across her face, and a vast tenderness swept over him and a great reverence...she belonged to him!
Thus ends the story for today. See you again on Monday!
Hope you are enjoying getting to know these two love-birds who were the first human parents of our beloved Lord Jesus. As you will soon see, Jesus was born from Mary yet was the Son of the Heavenly Father. The wonderful Joseph was Christ's father in every other facet of Jesus' young life.
Wow!
Jo INMN
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